Friday, July 29, 2016

Secretary Scott Kernan Recognizes

LA County DA and local leaders with COMIO Best
Practices Award

By Albert Rivas, Deputy Chief Office of External Affairs

The Council on Mentally Ill Offenders (COMIO) recognized
Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey's Office and the Los Angeles
County Mental Health Advisory Board with a COMIO Best Practices Award for the Blueprint
for Change. The Blueprint for Change is an
implementation plan for a comprehensive system of diversion from incarceration
for youth and adults with mental illness.

Secretary Scott Kernan of the California Department of Corrections
and Rehabilitation awarded Lacey's office with the distinguished COMIO Best
Practices Award. Kernan serves as COMIO Chairman.

Secretary Scott Kernan and
Tracey Whitney, Deputy District Attorney

“Los
Angeles County staff work hard to make a difference. Through their dedication
the Blueprint
for Change has led to measurable success, and through effective
collaboration has made a positive impact on those living with mental illness,” said
Secretary Scott Kernan when presenting the award.

Stephanie Welch, COMIO’s Executive Officer, and board members help
recognize county agencies and community-based organizations that support
behavioral health services as they work to reduce unnecessary incarceration of
people living with mental health challenges.

Stephanie Welch, Executive Officer

“Incarceration is one of the worst outcomes of untreated mental
illness. I applaud District Attorney Lacey’s office and all of the leaders in
Los Angeles County for their hard work and commitment to tackle such
challenging social problems,” said Stephanie Welch. “I’m confident that with
the implementation of the sequential intercept model supported by innovative services,
significant strides in preventing youth and adult incarceration will be
achieved.”

The Office of Diversion and Reentry was created by the Los Angeles
County Board of Supervisors to provide long-term oversight and coordination
support. In addition to the county’s initial investment of $120 million, at
least $10 million in annual funding will be provided to the office. A
substantial portion of these funds will come from the reallocation of money
from two public safety-related state laws, SB 678 and AB 109.

The funds will divert
low-risk offenders with serious mental illness and substance abuse disorders
from incarceration by providing services and expertise in housing, health,
mental health, alcohol and drug prevention, and legal assistance. Former Judge
Peter Espinoza will serve as the new director.

To learn more about
COMIO, please visit www.cdcr.ca.gov/comio.
For information about the California Department of Corrections and
Rehabilitation, please contact the Office of External Affairs at (916) 445-4950
or OEA.